Comet Resources Ltd (ASX:CRL) continues with testing of natural flake graphite from the Springdale Graphite Project in WA and expects to complete a bulk sample of graphite concentrate this quarter after achieving strong grades and recoveries in initial tests.
Importantly, the graphite concentrates previously produced demonstrated a unique and potentially very valuable characteristic in its small size distribution, with two-thirds of the product passing the 38 µm size fraction screen.
Generally, this small size fraction of graphite is a by-product of processing of larger flake fractions, which produces smaller size graphite, but in doing so also damages the smaller flake material in the process, reducing their performance and value.
Premium pricing
Deposits that contain high-quality ultra-fine graphite are uncommon and are potentially suitable for supplying the expanding battery anode market, which continues to grow as sales of electric vehicles (EVs) increase.
Graphite suitable for battery anode production also achieves premium pricing in graphite markets, making it a highly sought-after product.
Once the bulk sample of Springdale graphite concentrate is produced it will be forwarded to a specialist lab in Germany that will assess, among other properties, the performance of the graphite during purification, micronisation and spheronisation.
“Rare product”
Managing director Matthew O’Kane said: “The results of this ongoing test-work will determine the suitability of the natural flake graphite from Springdale for use in the manufacture of battery anodes for electric vehicles.
“Earlier tests have demonstrated the graphite from Springdale is quite a rare product due to its very small flake size, which could make it ideally suited for anode production.
“This next stage of specialised testing will hopefully confirm this.”
Comet’s German lab partners will simulate these tests to assess Springdale’s product suitability to meet industry standards in all of these areas.
Further test-work aims
Further test-work on the bulk sample of float concentrate in Germany is designed to assess the ability of the concentrate obtained by flotation to be converted into highly valuable, readily saleable products.
Three different processes are to be tested:
- Purification to carbon content above 99.9%, as these carbon levels pave the way for high tech applications like usage in batteries;
- Micronising for products that require well-defined small flake graphite particles for their end uses; and
- Spheronisation for usage in lithium-ion-battery anodes for the rapidly expanding market for EVs due to the global drive to de-carbonise the transport network.
These test workstreams are designed to confirm the suitability of Springdale graphite as a precursor material for these high value-added products.
Comet looks forward to receiving the results from these workstreams and will provide updates as soon as the information is available.